Rescue efforts are underway following heavy rains and flooding across the region. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has successfully rescued 27 people using boats and helicopters, while around 200 individuals have been relocated to safer locations.
Tragically, the rains have claimed eight lives so far. The fatalities include three in Latur, two in Beed, and one each in Dharashiv, Nanded, and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. According to the state revenue department, causes of death range from drowning and lightning strikes to other rain-related accidents.
Infrastructure has also suffered significant damage. Two schools and a road have been damaged in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, and three bridges were affected in Jalna and Beed districts. Additionally, five small dams in Marathwada have sustained damage due to flooding.
Intense rainfall has been recorded in the catchment areas of the Jayakwadi and Majalgaon dams, prompting authorities to begin discharging excess water to manage reservoir levels. Several areas, including Javlala and Ramoda, have reported heavy rainfall since Monday night, with 160 mm and 120 mm recorded respectively.
The Godavari River has swelled considerably due to the excessive inflow, causing flood-like conditions in villages across Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Jalna, and Beed districts. In the last 24 hours alone, 129 revenue circles have reported rainfall above 65 mm, with Therla in Beed topping the charts at 158.25 mm.
In response to the situation, the Maharashtra Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, reviewed the flood conditions in Mumbai on Tuesday. The Chief Minister assured that relief efforts are actively ongoing and announced he would personally visit the affected areas on Wednesday. Guardian ministers have been directed to oversee relief operations within their respective districts.
Financial aid has also been a major focus. The Chief Minister announced that ₹2,215 crore in assistance has been sanctioned for flood-affected farmers. Of this, ₹1,800 crore has already been released to district administrations, with the remaining funds expected to be transferred to farmers’ accounts within 8 to 10 days. To date, over 31.64 lakh farmers have received compensation following crop damage assessments (panchnamas).
Senior Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Sharad Pawar has urged the state government to expedite compensation and relief distribution, especially for farmers facing heavy crop losses due to the excessive rainfall and flooding.
The Marathwada region has received 823.8 mm of rain since June 1, representing a 28.5% increase over the seasonal average of 640.8 mm. Dharashiv alone has recorded 833.5 mm, which is 148.8% of its average rainfall for this period. Over the past five days, the region has seen 975 mm of rainfall, equaling 102% of the typical seasonal average.
As rescue operations continue in the affected districts, authorities remain on high alert. With more rain expected, the focus remains on rapid damage assessment, financial assistance, and rehabilitation of displaced families.
https://www.mid-day.com/news/india-news/article/eight-dead-widespread-damage-as-torrential-rains-lash-maharashtra-s-marathwada-region-23595410